Tina M.'s Passions

Tina M.'s Bio

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Fit:
True to size

I tried many different models of mid-weight fleece jackets this fall and ended up going back to Arcetryx for the quality and fit I wanted. I was looking for a power-stretch fleece to be used as an outer layer in the fall, and mid-layer as our Canadian winters get colder. I need a layer that is light and warm and flexible for my outdoor activities and this jacket just won my heart. A plus for me is the way the neck fits; it is high and you can adjust the snugness easily and the hood does not pull the neck back, like a lot of models do. I am 5'8", 128 lbs, and the medium is a perfect mid-layer fit. Great arm length. This athletically styled hoody is cozy and snug, light enough to wear indoors and warm enough to hit the hiking trails with; plan to LIVE in it this winter!

I am just going to echo what most of the posters have already said; cut is roomier than other Arcteryx jackets but makes for great layering; really warm with a down sweater underneath. Collar could be higher; nice if hood could detatch but those are minor quibbles. LOve the powder skirt and armpit zips. I am 5'9" and usually take a small in this brand; at 1/2 price with only medium left, it was a steal and I am still comfortable with the size, especially with the extra room I have to layer. Bought the crocus color in Canada...it is gorgeous! So far, in a cold and windy Canadian spring, this jacket has won my heart on my 10 k rambles with dogs.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I usually really like Millet and the Euro-fit usually does me well, but this jacket failed on 2 counts: the sleeves were so snug that they really pulled at uncomfortably at my base layer, even with the thumb-holes, and consequently, my arms and shoulders felt constricted, and the neck was too snug when zipped all the way up. This is my 1st thumbs-down for aa Millet product. I am 5'9"; 133 lbs and the medium usually does me fine in a Millet; but not this time.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

pros: true to size fit; warm( 2 hours on trails in 0 degreeF); dry))) on trails in melting snow and slush; attractive cons: for me, too heavy on the foot and too stiff in the ankle for me to flex my foot the way it likes; because I have a bad knee, this resulted in knee pain after my hikes. If not for the heavy and stiff, I would have kept them.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I like everything about these boots except that they are a bit snug; I recommend going up 1/2 size if you want to wear thick socks. On the plus side, they are lightweight, really nice looking , have great grip soles and pretty warm, and very comfortable to walk in. Not sure how water-resistant they are. Anyway, my only caveat is they are about 1/2 size smaller than they should be.

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I like this shirt; great color (black/pink); good fit( 5'9"", 133 lbs, medium); good sleeve length; slim fit without being too snug; good length. Good collar as well. A bit lighter weight than I was looking for and I would have liked a bit of lycra for a more athletic fit, but in all, a good looking light weight base layer.

Familiarity:
I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

At 5'9'' and 130 lbs, I usually take a NF small but this hoody did not fit well at all. The sleeves were way too short and strangely loose, with no shape. Nice color, black/pink; good weight to fleece but poor fit.

I got this jacket for Christmas and was skeptical at first, knowing how much it cost, and being pretty bonded with my EddieBauer First Ascent Peak XV. I live between Montreal and Ottawa, and I have worn this jacket almost every day for over 1 month, snow, wind, freezing rain, you name it; it is light and really comfortable; the hood is warm but unobtrusive whether on or off your head; the lining where the jacket meets your chin and neck is soft; I have worn this in temps of 0 to minus 25, centigrade; colder than that and I get out my FirstAscent. I am out trail hiking for 2-3 hours at a time and this jacket has won my heart for keeping me warm and dry and being light and super user friendly. It has won my heart, for sure! One request: an outside chest pocket for keys!

This jacket was "okay"; I liked the weight of the fleece (light) and the fit was not bad, but a bit on the loose size as far as fit goes; I like a snugger fit that hugs my body and can block air. Sleeves could have been snugger as well. At 5'10", I can usually make do with a medium but this seemed a bit shapeless. But my main objection was the "caviar" color; it was more of a very dark brown; if I wanted to go all catalogue-y, I would call it "espresso". I thought I was getting a black; dark brown doesn't go with much of what I have. I sent it back. Probably would have kept it had the color been true

I sent for this because the Houdini zip I had already ordered is amazing!! I LIVE in that top, as a mid-layer; I love the quality and the styling. This hoody arrived and is lighter in weight than I expected; it is well crafted ( sleeve length, body length, fit) but has no stretch fabric in it, so it does not hug the body, something I like in a layer. Because of its light weight, I have worn it as a base layer under lightweight down, but again, because it does not hug the body, it doesn't really fit the bill for that. I was going to send it back but it looks so darn good (styling, color, fit) that I have kept it, but it feels more like clothes than gear. May be more useful in warmer weather, but also feel that was not explained in product descrition.

I am very pleased with my Mammut softshell; at 5'10 and 135 lbs, the medium is a perfect fit; good sleeve length, and I can get a light vest underneath. It feels durable and sturdy while also lightweight. My beef would be the velcro sleeve closings; I find them bulky and kind of obtrusive. And the color is a softer mauve thean the one on the web site.

I love this base layer! It is lightweight, soft, snug but flexible, great length, body and sleeves; feels like a second skin. The color is not the pink as shown on the web page, but a dusty mauve, but still and all, I would definitely buy another one!

After hesitating about this top because fo the price, I finally decided to try it on and loved what I felt. Took it home and wore it for 2 days, -20 wind chill, under a down parka. Felt toasty warm. The next day, after a quick wash, I wore it to work. This top is light as a feather, warm, and feels like a second skin. The purpura color is stylish enough to wear anywhere. It is hanging to dry right now, and I will wear it tomorrow when I go ski-joring with my dogs. And am looking to buy another Arc'teryx top...did I mantion that I LOVE this top??!!